Thank God for Transgender Friends

What a wonderful day. TransEpiscopal
fielded a strong team to argue for a resolution which would ban
discrimination against transpeople in the ordination process, and a
second which would ban discrimination against trans lay people. This was
heard in the Ministry committee, whose members listened with attention
to the moving and succinct testimony.

Talking of her
contribution to the church as an ordained deacon, Rev. Vicki Gray asked
the committee to remember that transpeople are flesh and blood, not just
an abstract idea. Viv Taylor, our very own videographer (pictured),
talked about her experience of returning from Iraq and finding a home in
the Episcopal Church only to lose it again when she realized that as a
transwoman she would not be considered for ordination in her diocese.

Deacon
Carolyn Woodall reminded the committee that transgender people are
often the victims of violence and are usually overlooked or excluded but
that they are still real people. Several young deputies spoke about
their own experience of oppression but their understanding that in
comparison with transgender people that they are privileged. Two bishops
stepped up to the plate too – our thanks go to Tom Shaw and Chet
Talton.

Bishop Tom Shaw

There wasn’t enough time for everyone to speak who wanted to support the
resolutions, but there was only one person who spoke in opposition. She
said that God doesn’t make mistakes; which suggests that God made a
mistake in the birth sex of transgender people which they later had to
correct. I think it’s more likely that God intended to make me lesbian
with all the difficulties that made for me, and also to make my friends
transgender with all the difficulties that creates for them.

Certainly
the committee was convinced, and both resolutions were sent on to the
House of Bishops. Please join us in praying that the Bishops will accept
these two important resolutions which together send the strongest
message possible that The Episcopal Church welcomes transgender people.

I thank God for all our transgender sisters and brothers and their witness to God’s incredible love!